Feng Shui, literally means wind and water. It is rapidly becoming a standard practice for creating  the ideal environment in which to live and work. 

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese study of the natural and "built" environment and has been practiced for thousands of years. This environment can be at the office, in your home, in a building, or on real  property.  A Feng Shui analysis examines the surrounding environment, the building, how the people interact with the building and looks at time-related factors. Based upon these considerations, recommendations can be made on how to improve your relationship with the environment around you. Results include prosperity, health benefits, and well being. Properly applied, Feng Shui recommendations can result in improvements in the life of the individuals who occupy the property.¹

How did Feng Shui originate?

Feng Shui can be stated as a form of "Geo-mancy" or "Earth Wisdom." Many cultures in the world have a form of Geomancy in their history. The Chinese form of Geomancy, or Feng Shui, has evolved to be both a Science and an Art. The science comes from the calculations and methodology used in analyzing a property. The Art of Feng Shui is the wisdom acquired from performing a multitude of analysis and knowing the exact degree to which the remedies (which are the results of the scientific analysis) are prescribed.²

Throughout ancient China, classical Feng Shui was a closely guarded discipline used as a tool to ensure the good health, wealth, and power of the Imperial Dynasties. The keepers of this secret body of knowledge--Feng Shui Masters*, were highly respected meteorologists, astronomers, and other scientists who were charged with sustaining the good fortune and prosperity of the royal court. It has been guardedly passed down the generations through very specific lineages. 

*These masters were very selective of their methods. Extreme care was exercised in the selection of candidates who would become their successors.

What are the basic principles of Feng Shui?

Note: These principles are shown as an introduction only. The depth of these concepts go far beyond  what a web site can explain. For more information, please consider purchasing the Principles of Feng Shui by Master Larry Sang. 

The balance of Yin and Yang 

Feng Shui is based on the principle of Yin and Yang. Balance, harmony, consistent change, and the interdependency of all things are but a few of the deep meanings within this simple representation. Yang representing heat and light is rising and Yin representing cold and darkness descends. These are just two of the many examples of logic and insight to be discovered with this image. 

Shown above, the image represents the true orientation of the Yang and Yin. Yang, representing heat rises on the left (or East) and reaches its peak at the top (South). Yin representing coolness descends on the right (West) and reaches its maximum at the bottom (North). 

Another analogy is that the sun rises in the East, reaches its hottest at noon and sets in the west, soon reaching its darkest. Yet within Yin there is a seed of Yang waiting to arise and within Yang there is Yin waiting to descend. This analogy can be applied to time, seasons, directions, and  many other cycles of change. 

The Relationship of Five Elements 

Another simple, yet powerful representation based upon the Tai Chi (Yin and Yang representation shown above) is the 5 elements diagram. It is a view of how the elemental energies interact. Shown  above in its balanced state, it is in harmony. Yet each element can strengthen or weaken other elements in a variety of beneficial and detrimental ways. When calculating the energy "blueprint" of a property these interactions provide the key to correcting issues within a property. 

The Eight Trigrams 

The Eight Trigrams are the basis for Feng Shui analysis and calculations. A Trigram is a representation of one of the eight directions. In the "Ba Gua" diagram below there is also a center which has no directional association, but is associated with earth. Based also on Yin and Yang concepts, the I-Ching, the Five Elements, and the Lo-shu map, it conveys a map for all other calculations used to determine the energy blueprint within a property.³

The East/West Theory
(8 House Theory) 

Both people and houses belong to one of the above Trigrams. Each of the Trigrams fall into  two distinct categories as either east group or west group. Matching a West group house type to a West group person is ideal, as is matching an East group house to an East group person. 

East Group	West Group
North	Southeast
South	Northwest
Southeast	Southwest
East	West

Effects of the Solar System (Xuan Kong)

The Environment 

The environmental aspects are what most people immediately think of when they consider Feng Shui. Things such as not having sharp corners pointed at them and not living under high tension power lines are a couple of common examples that everyone either knows or can understand. Other environmental aspects such as living next to a freeway or a construction site are considered unfavorable. The elimination of "Sha" or evil influences and strengthening those environmental aspects that are good is what an environmental analysis recommends. These are but a few examples of what needs to be examined during an analysis.⁴

How are these principles applied?

Feng Shui is based upon a set of theories and complex calculations derived from the I-Ching. This includes an in-depth understanding and application of the basic principles. Using these principles and taking into account the physical relationship between the natural environment and the magnetic fields of the Earth provides a "blueprint" of the influences around us. Using this blueprint we can see clearly the energies or "Chi" that effect us in our properties. 

How is a Feng Shui analysis done? 

The Feng Shui practitioner first observes the environment, using a Lo Pan (compass) to determine the orientation of the property. Calculations are then completed according to the basic principles. Then a determination of the energy characteristics within the property and its resulting effects on the occupants are made based on the results of these calculations. Remedies are then prescribed where necessary in order to balance the energy to produce a positive effect! 

Misunderstandings of Chinese Geomancy 

Feng Shui is becoming more prevalent in the West. This can be attributed to more and more people becoming aware of how their environment affects them. The health effects of  high-tension power lines is but one example of how people are becoming cognizant of their environment and its relationship to their health and prosperity. Unfortunately, a lot of hearsay and misunderstanding as to what Feng Shui truly  is has also become commonplace. 

Some people have confused Feng Shui with religion and burning charms. Others think that seeking advice from Feng Shui practitioners contradicts the doctrines of their own religion. This is a mistaken concept. 

Chinese geomancy (or Feng Shui) is not the product of any religious belief system. Rather, it is based on a set of calculations. The qualified practitioner examines the four aspects of Building, Environment, Time, and most importantly, People. Most books and information widely available only look at the first two aspects: Building and Environment. This is only a partial examination. 

Time and People are two very important components that should not be omitted. A particular building may have a good environment and other positive attributes, but for a specific individual, it might require further examination and corrections to meet their individual goals  for that time in their life and the life of  the building. 

How does one find a qualified practitioner? 

The classical Feng Shui consultation involves no guesswork. Every building has unique energy characteristics that need to be individually addressed. We say that True Feng Shui  recommendations utilize only the five elements and not such things as mirrors, flutes, incense, or prayers. 

Just as a qualified physician will not make a prescription without first meeting the patient, a proper Feng Shui analysis requires a visit to the property.⁵ Feng Shui looks at not only the environment, but also the orientation of the property within that environment. 

Feng Shui is not related to any religion or belief system. A qualified Practitioner is one who has studied with a Master for many years and has acquired a scientific discipline, thus  enabling them to apply complex calculations and an in-depth understanding of  the fundamental principles of Feng Shui. Only then are they able to make very specific recommendations that can effect positive changes in one's lifestyle, relationships and financial returns. 

Properly performed, Feng Shui can bring balance, harmony, and prosperity to one's life. 

After reading discussion

1) Explain in your own words what a Feng Shui analysis is composed of and what Feng Shui recommendations can result in.

2) Describe the basic principles of Feng Shui in your own words.